One of several boats out on winter fishing trips, American Angler reported December 30:

“We’re off to a slow start – despite tough weather conditions, we caught 14 fish from 80 to 140 pounds. Weatherman says that things are going to be better tomorrow and there was good sign of tuna so we’re going to hang in there and see what tomorrow brings.”

Five-Day Winners

Derek Waldman docked Red Rooster III at H&M Landing December 31 after the final trip of 2013, a five-day yellowtail run. His anglers claimed 360 yellows and 100 miscellaneous fish.

Ken Perry of San Jose won first place for a 32.4-pound yellowtail.
Colin Simon of Topanga took second place for a 30.4-pounder.
Joe Noga of Ft. Washington, NY won third place for a 29-pound yellow.
Ed Adams of Gillette WY won fourth place for a 23.4-pound yellowtail.

Back Today, Smiling

Royal Polaris also posted December 30:

“Hey RP fans our fishing started off on the slow side and things were starting to look a little grim as the first call for lunch went out. But shortly after we found a good area of yellowtail and by 3:15 had limits. Most of the fish weighed 10 to 12 pounds but we had a handful of 18 to 28-pounders to go with the smaller models, not to mention some bonus lingcod, sheephead and big bonito. Anyways it's nothing but smiles on the RP.”

Ball Dropped Early

“Today we started out good,” reported Royal Star skipper Brian Sims December 30. “We then dropped the ball. But we finished strong with a two-hour bite on a mixed grade of tuna from 80 to 239 pounds. No sugar coating this one, the fish made us earn it today. Being a little more in tune with their program, we have high hopes for tomorrow's fishing.

“Dave Uradomo came up big today with his 239.5-pounder.”

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